SEMA Scholarship Application Now Available

SEMA Member News—March/April 2011

SEMA Scholarship Application Now Available

This 2011 Ford Fiesta was bought by the Goff family of Rochester, New York, through an eBay auction that benefitted the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. The fund supports the educational efforts of young men and women who plan to seek careers in the automotive specialty-equipment industry. (Photo Courtesy Kevin Lee)

Students preparing for careers in the automotive industry may be eligible to receive financial awards ranging from $1,000–$4,000 through the 2011 SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund. The scholarship application, which is due April 1, 2011, and requires college transcripts and letters of recommendation, is now available.

“Paying for a high-quality education is a challenge for many, particularly in today’s tough economy,” said SEMA Education Director Jamie Eriksen. “SEMA is pleased to play a part in helping students prepare for careers in an innovative and exciting industry.”

Unlike financial aid and student loans, the SEMA Memorial Scholarship is a one-time award that does not have to be paid back. Awards are granted to eligible applicants based on academic achievements, work experience, community involvement, essay content and recommendations. Students may reapply each year, provided that they still meet the eligibility criteria. A loan-forgiveness award is also available to recent graduates who are working for SEMA-member companies and paying off existing student loans. Details and applications for both the scholarship and the loan-forgiveness awards are available here.

Winners will be notified in the summer of 2011. Scholarship payments are sent directly to the student’s college, university, trade or vocational school to help offset the cost of tuition. Loan-forgiveness payments are sent directly to the financial institutions.

2011 Ford Fiesta Auction Benefits Fund

One support effort that has become something of a tradition for the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund is the building and auctioning of a brand-new vehicle. This year, the project car was a 2011 Fiesta that was donated by Ford. The buildup was overseen by Street Scene Equipment and included a host of top-level products.

The body was clad in a 3D Carbon kit that included a chin spoiler, side skirts and rear valance along with a Street Scene lower valance grille. The body was also fitted with a Ford Racing European wing and Scrublade wiper blades, and the DuPont Hot Hues paint, which applied by L & G, is protected by Shining Monkey car care products. The interior is enhanced by Katzkin leather products as well as a Ford Racing armrest and cargo net.

Superchips gave the engine a custom sport tune. The exhaust was donated by Magnaflow, and Silflex provided the silicone hoses. Dow Automotive furnished the high-performance brake fluid, and Royal Purple offered up the lubricants. On the underside, the suspension was upgraded with H&R lowering springs, MGP caliper covers, Nitto tires and Wheel Pros rims.

The Fiesta was auctioned by eBay Motors, which waived all fees, and the bidding was won by the Goff family in Rochester, New York.

“My husband Dave saw the Fiesta on eBay,” said Debbie Goff. “Our son Matthew had already been looking at Fiestas in the area when they first came out. He really liked the auction car, so we started bidding on it. We made our last two bids with 20 minutes left and then two minutes left, and we won! My son has been driving it, and he really likes it.”

Dave Goff also owns an ’07 Shelby Mustang, so now the family has two very cool rides. The auction proceeds will serve young men and women who are planning for careers in the automotive specialty-equipment industry.

If you or your company would like to join the effort to support the industry’s future, either through next year’s vehicle auction or other fundraising efforts, please contact SEMA Education Director Jamie Eriksen via e-mail at jamiee@sema.org.